The Obde Sisters Africa Adventure

The Obde Sisters from the USA (all 6 of them!), started planning their bucket list journey to Africa some two years before they finally arrived. Scattered across the States, with many different ideas on what they wanted to do, you can imagine the challenge for Africa Bespoke travel consultant Michaela Cramer. A gazillion emails later, Michaela had put together their trip of a lifetime for these lively ladies. Back home now, and reflecting on their travels, here is what Jill Obde had to say about their journey.

The Obde Sisters, enjoying the sand in between the toes.

From the moment we stepped off the plane in Cape Town we knew we were in Heaven! Our guide, Alan, greeted us and from that moment on we had no worries about what was going to happen the next two weeks. From our hotels to restaurants, activities to exchanging currency, adventures in the Winelands and more, we were taken care of at every turn. Every day was Christmas! Each hotel was amazing: The Three in Cape Town, Grootboos in the Overberg, where we were greeted with a fantastic lunch and went on to watch whales. We must have seen at least fifteen of them. There was so much to do: horseback riding, cave dwelling, hiking. Then it was inland to the Karoo and La Plume in Oudsthoorn, where we tried our first ostrich steak. Delicious!

Next up was the Turbine Hotel on Knysna Lagoon. From here we were able to visit the Elephant Park to see the rescued ellies and the Garden of Eden to see a zillion beautiful birds. Our guide set us up with Canopy Zip Lining (which I thought I would never do!) and various other activities. Then it was off to Kenton-on-Sea and the Sibuya River Lodge (one of my favorites). Brian (our ranger at Sibuya) and Alan (our tour guide) were hilarious together and made our trip even better. Two safaris a day, sunset drinks, treats and pre-breakfast game viewing were some of the many highlights. We saw so many animals. An elephant even came up to our jeep and rubbed himself on it. The thrill was unbelievable! We were introduced to Amarula which was in our coffees every morning and our night caps. Yum.

We were sad to leave there but went on to Kwandwe, where we were greeted by more wonderful people. We had our own little swimming pools on each one of our patios. On our Kwandwe safari drives, we were able to see all five of “The Big Five” which was a treat. The first morning we just missed a kill (I am thankful for that!) and we watched a baby rhino play games with us and his mama.

It has now been 4 months since our trip, and we still talk about it and wish we were back in South Africa. We were treated like Queens!! We all want to come back. Thank You Africa Bespoke, Michaela, and our guide Alan for giving us a dream vacation!

All the best
Jill Obde

On the steps of La Plume, Oudtshoorn.

Rhinos at close range in Sibuya Game Reserve, Eastern Cape.

About to embark on a river safari at Sibuya.

Hmm…elephant crossing? or should we find another road? Sibuya

Crossing the swing bridge at Storms River in the Tsitsikamme Reserve, Garden Route.

Dancing on the ceiling? At the turbine Hotel, Knysna.

To see the full route of the Obde sisters journey, view virtual itinerary below:

Comments

Alan

Ron Coyle

OMG it all seems like a dream!! I read this blog and I tear up. Linda, Jill, Karen, Leslee and Molly what a great group of women!! Thank you for letting me tag along. You certainly know how to have fun on the grandest scale!!! Alan you were FANTASTIC!! Thank you for making it the best adventure ever!!!
Hugs from Indiana, USA Michelle